When you visit a doctor, you likely have a lot of questions but aren’t sure if they’re necessary or if your physician has the time to answer them. Dr. Edward Tjoe, your podiatrist in Jersey City, New Jersey, is happy to answer any and all questions his patients have about the health of their feet. Below, he’s provided his answers for a few of the questions he hears regularly.
What does a podiatrist do?
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the diagnoses and treatment of problems with the toes, feet, and ankles. Because this area of the body is complex and constantly used, the medical specialty of podiatry is diverse and can include everything from toenail fungus to broken ankles.
What type of shoes should I wear?
There are dozens of styles to choose from when it comes to shoes, mostly based on the setting where they’ll be worn – work, formal events, the gym or poolside. However, your Jersey City podiatrist cautions his patients against choosing their shoes based solely on appearances; that can be disastrous for your feet. As a general rule, the more inexpensive the shoe, the less likely it is to provide the support and comfort you need. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on every pair you buy, but when it comes to your foot health, quality is more important than quantity. Shoes that cushion your heels and don’t slip or contort your feet will keep you from developing painful and unsightly problems like bunions, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis are worth investing in. A professional shoe fitting will determine your foot size, helping you make the best decisions about your footwear.
How often should I see a podiatrist?
You might be wondering if you need to schedule annual visits with your Jersey City podiatrist, as you probably do with your dermatologist and general practitioner. If you’ve never visited a podiatrist, make an appointment with Dr. Tjoe for an examination. This will establish a baseline and correct any foot health issues that might affect you later. The exception to this recommendation is for diabetic patients; they need to be seen regularly to make sure they’re maintaining proper hygiene and vigilance to prevent foot wounds from developing.
For further questions, call our podiatry office in Jersey City, New Jersey, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Edward Tjoe. We look forward to helping you understand more about how you can keep your feet healthy for a lifetime!
